Football fans across India are buzzing with excitement as it’s been confirmed that Lionel Messi and the Argentine national football team are set to grace Indian soil in October. This highly anticipated visit will feature an international exhibition match, marking a significant moment for Indian football. The AFA has officially announced the team’s visit as part of their global outreach efforts, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup qualification final matches. AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia highlighted the visit as a “new milestone” in the team’s international expansion, emphasizing the growing opportunities in India and Singapore.
This visit is being facilitated through a new partnership between the AFA and HSBC, aimed at promoting football in India and Singapore. This will be Lionel Messi’s second visit to India, following his appearance in Kolkata in 2011 during a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. The AFA is actively working to expand their global presence, and recognize the growing football intrest within India.
